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Cambridge City Council

Remember to bring your photo ID to vote at polling stations on Thursday 4 May

3 May 2023

Elections take place across Cambridge tomorrow (Thursday 4 May) for 16 of the 42 seats on Cambridge City Council plus a Cambridgeshire County Council by-election in Arbury – and everyone intending to vote in person will need to show photo ID.

Voters are reminded that following the introduction of new national legislation by the government, they will need to show an acceptable form of photo ID to receive a ballot paper and cast their vote.

A variety of different forms of photo ID are acceptable, including passport, driver’s licence, blue badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card, the new Voter Authority Certificate and many more.

Original documents must be provided as photocopies or copies of images on mobile phones or other electronic devices will not be accepted. People can bring acceptable photo ID which has expired, as long as the photograph still resembles them.

People arriving at the polling station without acceptable photo ID will be advised to leave the polling station and return with one of the acceptable forms of ID before a ballot paper can be issued to them.

For the complete list of acceptable forms of ID visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/voter-id-in-polling-stations

Electors whose ID has been lost or damaged after 5pm on 25 April, or if their previously appointed proxy has lost or damaged their ID, can appoint an emergency proxy or change their proxy under emergency procedures. The proxy must have their own photo ID to be able to vote.

Voters who have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate by the deadline, but have not yet received it, can apply for a temporary certificate for use at the 4 May polls. In both circumstances, electors should contact the council’s election team for further advice on 01223 457048.

Polling stations will be open across Cambridge from 7am-10pm on Thursday, with the election count taking place the following day. Results are expected by Friday afternoon, and will be posted on the council’s website www.cambridge.gov.uk and on social media.

Robert Pollock, returning officer for the local elections in Cambridge, said: “These elections are your opportunity to positively influence what happens in your city by electing a councillor to represent your area.

“For the first time, you will need to bring a valid form of photo ID in order to vote in person. Please remind your friends, neighbours and family members that they will need to bring their photo ID – and please be patient as we all get used to the new system.

“Voters who are clinically vulnerable and continue to wear a face covering, or who wear a face covering for other reasons, will be asked to remove it temporarily for the purpose of an ID check. Polling staff can do this check outside of the polling station if requested.

“If you have any questions when you get to your polling station just ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist you.”

For more information about voting in this year’s elections see www.cambridge.gov.uk/elections-in-2023